Steps to Protect Your Privacy

1. Ask credit bureaus for a copy of your credit report, which lists companies that have asked for credit information about you.
2. Stop receiving unsolicited "preapproved" credit-card offers.
3. Under a new law, all it takes is one phone call to have your name removed from  credit-card bureau mailing lists:  For Equifax, 1-888-567-8688; Experian, 1-800-680-7293.
4. In filling out credit applications, look for a box that says this information is not to be disseminated.
5. Do not disclose personal information to retailers, such as your phone number and address.  This information is often sold to both phone and direct-mail marketers.
6. If possible, avoid litigation, such as a filed tax lien against you, which becomes public domain.
7. Avoid grocery purchases with a savings club card or credit card.  Together with scanners, this tells marketers your buying habits.
8. Request security codes (a number or a password) for your telephone and bank accounts.   Potential intruders must repeat the password to gain access.

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